innovate reconciliation action plan · innovate reconciliation action plan • may 2019 fi may 2021...

Innovate Reconciliation Action PlanMay 2019 – May 2021

The Australian College of Optometry respectfully acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We

pay our respects to their Elders – past, present and emerging. The Australian College of Optometry is committed to

honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the

land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.

Contents

2 Message from our President 2 Message from our CEO 3 Artist profile 4 About the Australian College of

Optometry

7 Our vision for reconciliation 8 About our Innovate RAP

12 Commitments for the next 2 years 12 Relationships

15 Respect

18 Opportunities

20 Governance, tracking progress and reporting

Message from our President

It is with great pleasure that I present the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for the Australian College of Optometry. The RAP is an important step in the ACO’s commitment to reconciliation, and the Council, CEO, leadership team and staff fully support and endorse this process.

The ACO has long and established relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, working and striving for equitable eye health outcomes. Through the Innovate RAP we are committed to implementing practical actions which will foster current collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, build new partnerships, strengthen the cultural competency of our workforce, build the cultural safety of our organisation and create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey. We will continue to work alongside our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and friends, in achieving equitable eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Message from our CEO

At the Australian College of Optometry, we are committed to the preservation of sight and the prevention of blindness for all people. We acknowledge the disparity in eye health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and we are committed to walking alongside First Nations People in achieving equitable eye health outcomes.

We are proud of the strong partnerships and relationships that we have with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, stakeholders and community members, and acknowledge the importance of these collaborations in delivering the work that we do.

The Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan formalises our commitment to reconciliation. Through this action plan we will continue to develop and strengthen our relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we will engage staff and our stakeholders in our mission and implement innovative strategies that reflect the key values of the ACO; care, purpose, respect, collaboration, innovation and delivery.

Maureen O’Keefe, CEO

Professor Konrad Pesudovs, President

2 INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN • MAY 2019 – MAY 2021

Artist profile

Journey Down the Murray 2017

This artwork represents the long journey of the local wildlife swimming down the Murray River. The cross-hatching and the line-work in the border patterns represent what we go through in life: our experiences, struggles and achievements. The Murray River stays the same and is always going to be there, as our home.

Kelvin Rogers is a proud Yorta Yorta man who grew up on the Murray River. As a young man, Kelvin learned traditional skills such as didgeridoo-making and how to gather and use bush tucker. Whilst incarcerated, Kelvin joined The Torch

program and developed his distinctive style of painting, using colour palettes designed to “stop people in their tracks”.

In prison, painting helped Kelvin to forget where he was and offered hours of escape, helping him to move through some difficult times. The Murray River is his favourite subject. Kelvin’s artwork is held in public collections including the City of Melbourne, and has been licensed by numerous organisations such as the Victorian Ombudsman and Victorian Legal Aid.

The Torch supports Indigenous men and women both in prisons and post release in Victoria to explore their culture and identity through practicing art.

Kelvin RogersJourney Down the Murray 2017Acrylic on canvas63 x 179 cm

3INNOVATE RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN • MAY 2019 – MAY 2021

About the Australian College of Optometry

The Australian College of Optometry (ACO) is committed to improving the eye health and quality of life of community through clinical optometry practice, research and education. We are involved in public health eye care service delivery, vision research and optometry education. While we employ 200 staff working across these areas, currently 0% of employees have self-identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. We serve a diverse community and wide range of stakeholders. Our focus is to meet the equally diverse expectations and needs of these communities and to show leadership through innovation and best practice in each area. The ACO is proud to be a key organisation in Australia specialising in each of the areas of public health optometry, vision research and optometry student and professional education, which together are enhancing improvements in eye health and the wellbeing of the community.

Our reach – Victoria and beyondThe ACO strongly embrace its public service mission of clinical care by providing routine and specialised eye care services for tens of thousands of people each year. The Australian College of Optometry’s geographic reach is national with an extensive clinical services network throughout Victoria in addition to growing/expanding service provision nationally. The Australian College of Optometry’s main clinic is based in Carlton, with a network of clinics in metropolitan Melbourne and a mobile eye care service. Outreach services began in 1997 for patients with disabilities that could not access mainstream services, and expanded in 2003 with services to homeless persons and other vulnerable Victorians. The ACO provides a coordinated program of clinics and outreach services across Victoria, including services for the aged and frail, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, refugees and asylum seekers, children from disadvantaged schools, homeless and other high-risk groups. Going forward the ACO seeks to adapt and expand this important public health eye care model to benefit more Australian’s experiencing disadvantage across Australia.


Primary Care

Braybrook - cohealth Braybrook

Contact Lenses

Ocular Diseases and Hospital Services

Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Health Service

Low Vision and Disability

Dandenong

Outreach

East Reservoir - Your Community Health

Visual Functions

Frankston - Peninsula Community Health

Paediatrics

Fitzroy - Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)

Aboriginal Services 1

Victorian Eyecare Service 80 practices across Victoria

Rural Clinic and Outreach

Homeless Persons Eyecare Program

Residential Aged Care Facility Program

Supported Residential Services Program

VASSS 3

Eye & Ear 2

Monash Health

Austin Health

Alfred

Visiting Disability Service

VOS 4

Older Persons High Rise Program

21 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Community Outreach Program

8 Community Health Services in urban and regional Victoria

Metropolitan Locations

Main Carlton Clinic

Partner: Royal District Nursing Program Homeless Persons Program.

cohealth First Response FootscrayDrill Hall, Central City Community Health (cohealth)

MelbourneEastcare Gateways (Salvo Care) Croydon

Flagstaff Crisis Accommodation (Salvation Army) West Melbourne

Frankston Community Support Frankston Frontyard, Melbourne City Mission, Melbourne

Hosier Lane, Youth Projects, CBDLaunch Housing, South Melbourne

Merri Health, GlenroyMerri Outreach Support Service, Northcote

Ozanam Community Centre (Vincent Care), North Melbourne

Sacred Heart Mission Clinic, St KildaSalvo Care Rosebud, Rosebud

St Kilda Drop In (Prahran Mission Uniting Care), St Kilda

St Mary’s House of Welcome, FitzroyThe Cornerstone Centre, Dandenong

IPC Health (formally ISIS Primary Care) – Hoppers Crossing

cohealth – Kensington & NiddrieInspiro Community Health – Lilydale

Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) – East Ringwood

The Wellington Centre – CollingwoodMaribrynong Immigration Detention Centre

Melbourne Immigration Transit AccommodationDestiny Care – Dingley

Clinical Services Network

1 Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) also under this heading 2 Royal Victorian Eye & Ear Hospital 3 Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (funded through the

Victorian government) 4 Visiting Optometrists Scheme (administered by the Rural Workforce Agency

Victoria on behalf of the Commonwealth government)


Our vision for reconciliation The Australian College of Optometry recognises the past treatment

of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and how colonisation has impacted on their health. Our vision for reconciliation is to work

collaboratively and walk alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and communities, to heal our national soul, address inequity and achieve justice by contributing to closing the

gap in eye health outcomes. We believe that reconciliation is an ongoing journey, which we aim to enhance by building meaningful

and mutually respectful relationships.


About our Innovate RAP

A Reconciliation Action Plan provides the Australian College of Optometry with a roadmap for reconciliation through the setting of strategic goals that are realistic, achievable, appropriate and measurable. The RAP will further strengthen our strategic plan by reflecting the key values of the ACO; care, purpose, respect, collaboration, innovation and delivery. The RAP will promote staff development and growth, through strengthening cultural competency and cultural safety in the organisation. It will also guide the organisation and keep the ACO accountable in the process. The RAP will further enhance and strengthen the patient experience and relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. The RAP will demonstrate a commitment to employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the ACO. Fundamentally it will demonstrate our respect to the First Nations Peoples of this country, and it will contribute to closing the gap on eye health.

Our reconciliation journey In developing our Innovate RAP it is important that we continue to learn from the past, and in the spirit of reconciliation work in partnership to build on the future. We look forward to formalising our commitment to reconciliation through the development and implementation of our RAP and consider this a continuation of the journey.

The ACO has strong and established relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers and community members. These relationships have informed our practice, and we are committed to further strengthening relationships and promoting partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. The ACO is involved in a number of partnerships, projects and service delivery models that demonstrate our reconciliation journey to date.

Service Delivery

Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS)

The ACO has had a regular clinic at the Victorian Aboriginal Health service in Fitzroy since 1998. The ACO continues to work in partnership with VAHS to provide a comprehensive eye health service for its patients.

Outreach Services and the Visiting Optometrist Scheme (VOS)

Since 2008, the ACO have been working in partnership with more than 20 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a number of community health services in urban and regional Victoria, as well as in border regions in NSW and SA. These programs, funded by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Commonwealth Government through Rural Workforce Agency Victoria (RWAV), and Rural Doctors Workforce Agency (RDWA), improve access to eye health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities living in regional and remote areas.

The Victorian Eyecare Service (VES)

The ACO is responsible for the administration and management of the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Service (DHHS) Victorian Eyecare Service (VES). Through the VES, the ACO is able to offer eye care services targeted to Victorians who are financially, socially or geographically most in need, with the aim of correcting refractive error and preventing eye disease. The VES is delivered by ACO staff in the metropolitan area and by more than 80 dedicated partner private practices in regional and rural areas across the entire state. In 2018, more than 76,000 consultations and 47,665 visual aids were provided through the VES to 61,845 patients across Victoria. Two-thirds of these services are provided in our Melbourne clinics.


The Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS)

The Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme (VASSS) program, which has been developed and managed by the ACO since 2010, is a Victorian State Government Initiative that aims to improve access to high quality visual aids for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians. Through the VASSS program, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria are eligible to obtain spectacles for a co-payment of $10. Since its introduction in 2010 until December 2018, over 16,400 pairs of spectacles have been supplied, with important improvement in eye health as a consequence.

The VASSS scheme is a game changer – the $10 cost certainty has changed the conversation I have with clients from a real battle to get them to agree to make an appointment to a positive discussion about taking care of themselves (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) Care Coordinator)

Source: Evaluation of the Victorian Aboriginal Spectacles Subsidy Scheme – A Summary Report 2016

Provision of Eye Health Equipment and Training Project

The ACO are involved in the Provision of Eye Health Equipment and Training Project, an Australian Government Department of Health funded initiative. A consortium of five organisations from across Australia work in partnership to deliver this project based on their existing links and experience in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye care in discussion with local and regional stakeholders and service providers. These organisations are: Brien Holden Vision Institute Foundation (contractor, co-lead), Australian College of Optometry (co-lead), Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, Centre for Eye Health and Optometry Australia. The project is responsible for the procurement and

distribution of 155 retinal cameras to primary health care clinics, who provide care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The project incorporates training on the use of the camera to primary health care workers and general practitioners, with the aim to support increased primary-level access to retinal photography for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes.

PartnershipsThe ACO have key partnerships with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Rural Workforce Agency Victoria, Indigenous Eye Health Unit (University of Melbourne) and the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency, South Australia.

The ACO are actively involved in a number of national and state committees including: Vision 2020 Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander committee; Victorian Aboriginal Eye Health Strategy Committee; convener Koolin Balit North Metro and West Metro Aboriginal Eye Health Advisory Group; member of regional Aboriginal eye health advisory groups: Grampians, Great South Coast, Loddon Mallee; Ophthalmology Service Steering Committee (The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear and Victorian Aboriginal Health Service); the South Australian Department of Health Same Day Elective Surgery Model of Care Working Group and Provision of Eye Health Equipment and Training Consortium member.


Our progressThe ACO are committed to a whole organisational approach to reconciliation; reconciliation is everybody’s business.

In December 2017, we began the conversation with the ACO Council and our staff on the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan. Over the past year the ACO has been working with the RAP Working Party and staff representatives to build on internal and external activities. A number of initiatives that have happened over this time are:

z Provision of Aboriginal cultural safety training workshops for all our staff, facilitated by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant

z RAP consultation/feedback workshops provided by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant for all our staff

z Consultation with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation on the development of our RAP

z Liaison with other organisations that have developed and implemented their RAP

z Development and distribution of an expression of interest to join the RAP Working Party to key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders commenced in December 2017

z The formation of a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Party in March 2018 – consisting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health practitioners, stakeholders and community members. Meetings are held quarterly to develop the Innovate RAP

z Development of Terms of Reference and guiding principles for the RAP Working Party

z Invitation to an Aboriginal Elder from the Wurundjeri Council to provide a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony at our Annual General Meeting

z Holding the ACO Annual General Meeting in National Reconciliation Week, with the opening address on the theme of Reconciliation provided by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant

z Procurement of services for our Annual General Meeting from local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business

z Participation in a NAIDOC week event, with staff representatives and leadership team attending the NAIDOC week march

z Hosting a NAIDOC week event across all our clinical sites – with a morning tea, and display of NAIDOC week resources

z Displaying Acknowledgement of Country plaques at the front entrance of our Carlton ACO Clinic

z Displaying Aboriginal artwork and posters in the main clinic reception area

z Providing an Acknowledgement of Country at the beginning of all meetings and events


Our RAP ChampionsOur RAP is championed by our Council, our CEO and our leadership team. The RAP Working Party is represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander eye health practitioners, stakeholders and community members, in addition to cross division representation from the ACO. The ACO representatives will work closely with clinical services, corporate services, education and research and the Leadership team to promote a whole organisational approach.

Our RAP Working PartyColin Mitchell – Aboriginal Liaison Officer (Diabetes Victoria);

Robyn Bradley – Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital);

Anne-Marie Banfield – Regional Eye and Ear Co-ordinator (Winda-mara Aboriginal Corporation);

Levi Lovett – Traditional Owner – Gunditjmara, Former State-wide Eye Health Co-ordinator with VACCHO;

Maureen O’Keefe – Chief Executive Officer (Australian College of Optometry);

Colette Davis – RAP Senior Project Officer (Australian College of Optometry);

Nilmini John – Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (Australian College of Optometry);

Joe Waterman – Staff Optometrist (Australian College of Optometry);

Melinda Heap – Receptionist (Australian College of Optometry);

Tess Milhailou – Optical Technician (Australian College of Optometry).


RelationshipsThe Australian College of Optometry is committed to building new partnerships and strengthening current collaborations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders. To Close the Gap in eye health, we acknowledge the importance of working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to achieve eye health equity, access and outcomes. The ACO promote a respectful and collaborative culture across the whole organisation, which creates genuine and sustainable relationships with our stakeholders.

Deliverable Responsibility Timeline

Develop and distribute an expression of interest to join the RAP Working Party to key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

RAP Working Party ChairRAP Senior Project Officer

June 2019June 2020

Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented on the RAP Working Party

RAP Senior Project Officer June, 2019June, 2020

Ensure ACO staff representation on the RAP Working Party that represents all divisions

RAP Senior Project Officer May, 2019

Meet every quarter to monitor and report on RAP implementation and progress

RAP Senior Project Officer June, September, December, March 2019, 2020, 2021

Review and update the Terms of Reference and guiding principles for the RAP Working Party

RAP Senior Project Officer June 2019, 2020

Govern the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP RAP Working Party ChairRAP Senior Project Officer

May, 2019


Host a National Reconciliation Week event across all ACO sites each year, with an invitation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

RAP Senior Project Officer + 3 RAP Staff Representatives

27 May – 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Register the ACO National Reconciliation Week event via Reconciliation Australia’s National Reconciliation website

Communications Co-ordinator 27 May – 3 June2019, 2020, 2021

Internally promote and acknowledge National Reconciliation Week through the ACO newsletter, intranet, social media platforms and posters in the clinical and staff spaces

Communications Co-ordinatorDivision Heads – Clinical, EducationRAP Senior Project Officer + 1 RAP Staff Representative

27 May- 3 June,2019, 2020, 2021

Externally promote and acknowledge National Reconciliation Week through social media platforms

Communications Co-ordinator 27 May– 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Action

1. RAP Working Party to actively monitor the RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting

Action

2. Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians



Circulate Reconciliation Australia’s National Reconciliation Week resources and information to all ACO staff

Communications Co-ordinatorRAP Senior Project Officer

27 May – 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Encourage staff to participate in external events to recognise and celebrate National Reconciliation Week

Division Heads – Clinical, EducationRAP Senior Project Officer + 3 RAP Staff Representatives

27 May – 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Ensure our RAP Working Party participates in an external event to recognise and celebrate National Reconciliation Week


27 May – 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Support an external National Reconciliation event RAP Working Party Chair RAP Senior Project Officer + 3 RAP Staff Representatives

27 May – 3 June, 2019, 2020, 2021


Create and communicate a calendar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance to all staff


June, 2019, 2020, 2021

Share information internally via staff intranet and newsletter about each Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander date of significance


May, 2021

Host a ‘lunchtime learning session’ to coincide with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance


May, 2021


Develop and implement an engagement plan to review opportunities to strengthen existing relationships, and to develop new relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

Communications Co-ordinatorRAP Senior Project Officer + 1 RAP Staff Representative

October, 2019

Develop a Memorandum of Understanding with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service providers that work with the ACO for example: Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and Rural Workforce Agency Victoria

RAP Working Party Chair RAP Senior Project Officer

May, 2021

Action

3. Celebrate/recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dates of significance

Action

4. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcome



Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that we work with to develop guiding principles for future engagement

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ServicesHead of Outreach & Community Eyecare Services RAP Senior Project Officer

October, 2019

Actively promote and support Optometry staff to participate in the Visiting Optometry Service, and working with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Head of Outreach & Community Eyecare Services

May, 2021

Yearly cultural audit to promote continuous quality improvement as a culturally safe and culturally competent workplace

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services RAP Senior Project Officer

June 2019, 2020, 2021

Incorporate evidence-based resources such as ‘From Symbols to Systems’ to promote culturally safe engagement processes throughout the ACO

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Head of Outreach & Community Eyecare Services

October, 2019


Develop and implement a RAP communication strategy that will promote all staff awareness, participation and discussion


July, 2019, 2020

Deliver RAP consultation/workshop sessions about the Reconciliation Action Plan for all staff

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander consultantRAP Senior Project Officer

May 2019, 2020

Circulate and discuss the RAP at staff meetings to increase mutual understanding for all

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Head of Outreach & Community Eyecare Services RAP Senior Project Officer

June, 2019

Externally promote the RAP through stakeholder meetings, the ACO Annual General Meeting and website

Division Heads – Clinical, EducationRAP Senior Project Officer

July, 2019

Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all external stakeholders

Division Heads – Clinical, EducationRAP Senior Project Officer

May, 2021

Action

5. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and sector


RespectRespect is a core value at the ACO. As an organisation we recognise, respect and acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia. We acknowledge the importance of creating a deeper understanding and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s cultures, protocols and histories across the organisation. We are committed to being a culturally competent organisation, with employees that are culturally aware, respectful and confident in their practice and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Through our RAP we aim to build cultural awareness and action into the fabric of the ACO.


Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness training strategy for all our staff which defines the cultural learning needs of staff in all areas of our work and considers various ways cultural learning can be provided for example: online, face to face, workshops or cultural immersion

Communications Co-ordinatorHuman Resources Co-ordinatorRAP Senior Project Officer

August 2019, 2020

Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant to develop cultural awareness training


August 2019, 2020

Provide opportunities for the RAP Working Party members, RAP champions, HR Managers and other key leadership staff to participate in cultural training

Division Heads – Clinical, Education August 2019, 2020

Develop an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural resource repository to be available to all staff through the staff intranet, and professional development platforms

Communications Co-ordinator Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services RAP Senior Project Officer

December, 2019

Investigate and embed evidence based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural guides/toolkits such as ‘From Symbols to Systems’ to guide our practice

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services Communications Co-ordinator RAP Senior Project Officer

October, 2019

Promote the Reconciliation Australia’s ‘Share our Pride’ online tool to all our staff

Communications Co-ordinator Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services

August 2019, 2020

Action

6. Engage employees in continuous cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements



Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services Communications Co-ordinator RAP Senior Project Officer

July, 2019, 2020

Orient and circulate the cultural protocol guide to all staff across the organisation, through communication platforms

Communications Co-ordinatorManager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicesRAP Senior Project Officer

July, 2019, 2020

Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships

RAP Senior Project OfficerCommunications Co-ordinator

August 2019, 2020

Invite a Traditional Owner to provide a Welcome to Country at significant events, such as the Annual General Meeting

Division Heads – Clinical, Education May 2019, 2020

Include an Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of all internal and external meetings

Division Heads – Clinical, EducationCommunications Co-ordinator

July, 2019

Encourage staff to include an Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of all meetings


July, 2019

Ensure there is a clearly visible Acknowledgement of Country in the patient reception area at all sites


October, 2019

Develop an email signature used by all college employees that includes Acknowledgement of Country

Communications Co-ordinator July, 2019

Ensure all new print/digital ACO resources will have an Acknowledgment of Country

Communications Co-ordinator May, 2021

Develop a staff induction process that will ensure all new staff at the ACO will review the cultural protocol guide

Human Resources Co-ordinatorRAP Senior Project Officer

August, 2020

Action

7. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning



Encourage staff to attend a NAIDOC Week community event Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services Division Heads – Clinical, Education

July 2019, 2020, 2021

Host a NAIDOC Week event for staff and stakeholders to attend, such as the screening of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander film

Communications Co-ordinatorRAP Senior Project Officer + 3 RAP Staff Representatives

July 2019, 2020, 2021

Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week

Division Heads – Clinical, Education July 2019, 2020, 2021

Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in NAIDOC Week

Human Resources Co-ordinator July, 2019

Engage with our local NAIDOC Week Committee to discover events in our community


July, 2019

Action

8. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating NAIDOC Week


OpportunitiesThe ACO is committed to being an employee of choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We acknowledge the opportunity through the RAP to learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders in the way forward; to encourage employment and career pathways; to retain staff through supportive and culturally competent practice and to further strengthen procurement relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.


Collect information from our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and service providers to inform future employment opportunities, recruitment strategies, retention and professional development

Human Resources Co-ordinator August, 2019

Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development


Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace


Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention strategy


Recruiting processes will encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation on selection panels when recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and/or for roles that will be working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members or services


Explore opportunities to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment pathways across all divisions of the ACO

Human Resources Co-ordinator Division Heads – Clinical, Education

May, 2021

Explore opportunities to develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander training pathways across all divisions of the ACO

Division Heads – Clinical, Education May, 2021

Work with Career Trackers Indigenous Internship Program to explore opportunities to promote pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates and undergraduates

Human Resources Co-ordinator RAP Senior Project Officer

May, 2021

Action

9. Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace



Work with stakeholders on shared employment opportunities (for example: VAHS and ACO partnership-Employee works at both sites)

Manager – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services Head of Outreach & Community Eyecare Services RAP Senior Project Officer

October, 2019

Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media, and through key partners

Human Resources Co-ordinator May, 2021

Include in all job advertisements, ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.’

Human Resources Co-ordinator May, 2019


Review Supply Nation and Kinaway website and develop a service guide that lists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services

Communications Co-ordinatorCorporate Services – administration assistant

August, 2019

Circulate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Service Guide to all staff, accessible via the staff intranet

Communications Co-ordinatorCorporate Services – administration assistant

September, 2019

Investigate membership to Supply Nation RAP Senior Project Officer August, 2019

Review and update procurement policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers for procuring goods and services from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses

Corporate Services – administration assistant September, 2019

Utilise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander goods and services for catering at the Annual General Meeting, NAIDOC and/or National Reconciliation Week events and other staff events

Corporate Services – administration assistant May, 2021

Develop at least one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander owned business

RAP Senior Project Officer May, 2021

Action

10. Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within our organisation


Governance, tracking progress and reportingDeliverable Responsibility Timeline

Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually

RAP Senior Project Officer September, 2019, 2020

Participate in the RAP Barometer RAP Senior Project Officer May, 2020

Develop and implement systems and capability needs to track, measure and report on RAP activities

RAP Senior Project Officer May 2019, 2020, 2021


Publicly report our RAP achievements, challenges and learning’s through meetings with stakeholders, intranet, website and social media platforms

Communications Co-ordinatorDivision Heads – Clinical, Education

May, 2021

Internally report our RAP achievements, challenges and learning’s through meetings with staff, intranet, website and social media platforms

Communications Co-ordinatorRAP Staff Representatives

May, 2021


Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements

RAP Senior Project Officer January, 2021

Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and feedback RAP Senior Project Officer March, 2021

Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal endorsement RAP Senior Project Officer May, 2021

Action

11. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learning’s to Reconciliation Australia

Action

12. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learning’s internally and externally

Action

13. Review, refresh and update RAP


Contact details

RAP Senior Project OfficerPhone: +61 3 9349 7419Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Message from our PresidentMessage from our CEOArtist’s profileAbout the Australian College of OptometryOur vision for reconciliation About our Innovate RAPCommitments for the next 2 yearsRespectOpportunitiesGovernance, tracking progress and reporting

innovate reconciliation action plan · innovate reconciliation action plan • may 2019 fi may 2021...

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